Daños causados por cancro cítrico en la producción de naranja dulce 'Valencia'

The citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, is one of the main citrus diseases and has threatened the world's citriculture. In this study, the damage caused by citrus canker was quantified in a sweet orange culture, cv. Valencia [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.], grafted over 15 year-old Rangpur lime (C. limonia Osb.), in the municipality of Guatambu, SC, Brazil, in the crop of 2004/05. Evaluations of the number of fruits per plant (NF), fruit yield per plant (P), citrus canker incidence on the fruit (IFR), and incidence (IL) and severity (SV) of citrus canker on 80 leaves per orange tree were performed in the harvest period, applying diagrammatical scales. Plants had large variation in SV (0.16%-1.09%), IL (12.50%-56.25%) and IFR (12.30%-56.09%). Linear regressions were significant between IL x SV, NF x SV, P x IFR, and NF x IFR. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the mean estimated values of IL in different quadrants of the crowns of the orange trees (N, S, L and O). Each 1% increase in IFR reduced 2.16 kg and 21.3 fruits per tree.

Qualidade microbiológica da água e histopatologia de brânquias de peixes provenientes de pisciculturas do município de itapecuru-mirim, Estado do Maranhão

The present study evaluated the microbiological water quality and tissue lesions in gills from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and hybrid tambacu (Colossoma macropomum female x Piaractus mesopotamicus male). For this, water and gills were collected from fish farming at six locations in Itapecuru- Mirim County, Maranhão State. Microbiological water analyses revealed contamination by total coliforms, Escherichia coli and heterotrophic bacteria. In the gills, we observed a diversity of Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria. The tissue lesions were: lamellar fusion, interlamellar hyperplasia, sub-epithelial edema and telangiectasia. Inflammatory lesions were not observed. Significant statistical difference (p > 0.05) was not detected when comparing different gills lesions during rainy and dry season. The correlation between lesion and pond type was statistically different (p < 0.05) for lamellar fusion and interlamellar hyperplasia which occurred more frequently at ground ponds. Regarding the frequency of lesions in the different fish species, there was statistical difference (p < 0.05), and the tambacu was more sensitive to lamellar fusion while tilapia was more sensitive for the other lesions. In relation to the sampling stations, there was statistical difference for all the gill lesions. In conclusion, tissue lesions are nonspecific and function as a defense mechanism against polluted aquatic environments, without infectious character.

Radicular anatomy of twelve representatives of the Catasetinae subtribe (Orchidaceae: Cymbidieae)

Considering that the root structure of the Brazilian genera belonging to the Catasetinae subtribe is poorly known, we describe the roots of twelve representatives from this subtribe. For anatomical analysis, the roots were fixed in FAA 50, preserved in ethanol 70% and sectioned at its medium region using razor blades. The sections were stained with 0.05% astra blue and safranin and mounted in glycerin. For the identification of starch we used Lugol ́s solution; for lignin, floroglucin chloridric; for lipids, Sudan III, and for flavanoids, potassium hydroxide. The relevant aspects were registered using a digital camera joined with an Olympus microspope (BX51 model). The structural similarities of all roots support the placement of the subtribe Catasetinae into the monophyletic tribe Cymbidieae. Some root features are restricted to one or two taxa and can be useful in the systematics of the subtribe. For example, the occurrence of flavonoidic crystals characterizes the genera Catasetum and Cychnodes, and the number of the velamen layers and the shape of the epivelamen cells are useful to confirm the taxonomic position of Clowesia amazonica. The presence of velamen and flavonoidic crystals was interpreted as an adaptation to the epiphytic habit.

Necrotizing soft tissue infection of the breast: Case report and literature review

Background: Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) is characterized by progressive infectious gangrene of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Its treatment involves intensive care, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and full debridement. Methods: We present two cases of NSTI of the breast, adding these cases to the 14 described in the literature, reviewing the characteristics and evolution of all cases. Case Report: On the fourth day after mastectomy, a 59-year-old woman with ulcerated breast cancer developed Type I NSTI caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which had a favorable evolution after debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics. The second patient was a 57-year-old woman submitted to a mastectomy and axillary dissection, who had recurrent seromas. On the 32nd post-operative day, after a seroma puncture, she developed Type II NSTI caused by β-hemolytic streptococci. She developed sepsis and died on the tenth day after debridement, intensive care, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. The cases are the first description of breast NSTI after mammary seroma aspiration and the first report of this condition caused by P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: Necrotizing soft tissue infection is rare in breast tissue. It frequently is of Type II, occurring mainly after procedures in patients with breast cancer. The surgeon's participation in controlling the focus of the infection is of fundamental importance, and just as important are broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and support measures, such as maintenance of volume, correction of electrolytic disorders, and treatment of sepsis and septic shock. Once the infection has been brought under control, skin grafting or soft tissue flaps can be considered. The mortality rate in breast NSTI is 18.7%, all deaths being in patients with the fulminant Type II form. Surgical oncologists need to be alert to the possibility of this rare condition. © 2012, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Desempenho de fungicidas no controle da mancha-de-macrospora na cultura do milho

Fungicide application is one of the control strategies of fungal diseases in corn leaves. In Brazil, there are no fungicides recorded for the control of corn macrospora leaf spot (MLS). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of 16 fungicides on MLS control in a protective, curative and eradicant form. Fungicides of the chemical groups of benzimidazoles, strobilurins and triazoles were used alone or in mixture, in completely randomized block design, with six replicates of five plants, totaling 30 plants per treatment. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse with the single-cross hybrid AS 1565 in phenological stage of two to six expanded leaves, using an isolate of S. macrospsora from the same hybrid. The inoculum was deposited into the cartridge of plants at 48 hours after, 48 hours before and 10 days before fungicide applications for preventive, curative and eradicant action, respectively. The experiment was repeated twice. The data underwent analysis of variance (p<0.05), and the means of treatments were compared by using the Scott-Knott test (p<0.05). Severity was estimated at 21 days after inoculations. All fungicides significantly differed from the control treatment in the preventive, curative and eradicant action. For the preventive action, mean disease control was 85%. The mixture of triazoles plus strobilurins controlled, on average, 75% of the disease severity, while the isolated products such as strobilurins reduced it by 62%, benzimidazoles by 55% and triazoles by 38% for the curative action. The lowest control was obtained for the eradicant action, with mean reduction of 40.1% in the disease severity and no significant difference among fungicides.

Análises técnicas e econômicas no sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária submetido à adubação nitrogenada

Sustainable agriculture, reduced production costs and adding value to the system are achieved through the use of agricultural areas throughout the year, in integrated or mixed system. The study aimed to determine the technical coefficients to estimate and evaluate the operational cost and profitability indicators of the consortium of corn with two species of Brachiaria (B. brizantha, MG-5 and B. ruziziensis). The crops were submitted to N rates (0, 100, 200, 300 e 400kg ha-1year-1) at sidedressing, using urea, and winter common bean in succession, in crop-livestock integration under no-tillage, in irrigated conditions, in 2008/2009 agricultural year in Cerrado region (Selvíria - MS). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications in a 2 x 5factorial. It was concluded thatcathe inputs were the components that most increased the producing cost of corn and common bean in the ILP study. The total operational cost has increased as a function of increasing doses of N. In all treatments the levels of profitability were positive indicating the viability of the system. The treatment that showed the best technical and economic performance was intercropped with corn and B. brizantha, fertilized with 100kg ha-1year-1N and common bean in succession.

Optimal low-cost transfer to L4 and L5 lagrangian points based on G-family of periodic orbits

An alternative transfer strategy to send spacecrafts to stable orbits around the Lagrangian equilibrium points L4 and L5 based in trajectories derived from the periodic orbits around LI is presented in this work. The trajectories derived, called Trajectories G, are described and studied in terms of the initial generation requirements and their energy variations relative to the Earth through the passage by the lunar sphere of influence. Missions for insertion of spacecrafts in elliptic orbits around L4 and L5 are analysed considering the Restricted Three-Body Problem Earth- Moon-particle and the results are discussed starting from the thrust, time of flight and energy variation relative to the Earth. Copyright© (2012) by the International Astronautical Federation.

Estudo da mcrobiota fúngica gastrintestinal de morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) da região noroeste do estado de São Paulo: Potencial zoonótico

Bats are hosts of a rich diversity of microorganisms. Many studies indicate a close link between bats and fungi with pathogenic potential, especially for living in environments such as caves, caverns and hollow trees, favorable to the maintenance and spread of fungi. The objective was to study the gastrointestinal mycoflora of bats. Of the 98 samples belonging to 11 species of bats coming from 15 studied cities, 20% of the species were Carollia perspicillata, 19% Artibeus lituratus, 17% Molossus rufus, 13% Glossophaga soricina, 9% Nyctinomops macrotis, 8% Molossus molossus, 7% Desmodus rotundus, 2% Lasiurus ega and 1% Eptesicus furinalis, Myotis nigricans and Tadarida brasiliensis. The genus Aspergillus sp. was isolated from 29% of the samples, followed by 6% Microsporum sp. and Penicillium sp. 4% Trichophyton sp. and zygomycetes and 2% Fusarium sp. Of yeast species, 14% were from Rhodotorula sp., 10% Candida sp. and 2% Cryptococcus sp., 22% of isolates remained unidentified. All 82 cultures of organs were negative for Histoplasma capsulatum. There was a statistically significant association between the results of microbiological culture and bat species (p < 0.05). We conclude that the bats can act as disperser agents of fungi with pathogenic potential, although other studies should be performed to establish strategies to identify the main factors correlated with the growth and spread of microorganisms in nature and implication of bats in the epidemiological cycle.

A Pilot Study Addressing the Impact of Religious Practice on Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether religious practice can modify quality of life (QoL) in BC patients during chemotherapy. QoL and religion practice questionnaire (RPQ) scores were evaluated in a sample of BC patients in different moments. Before chemotherapy initiation, women with lower physical and social functional scores displayed higher RPQ scores. On the other hand, low RPQ patients worsened some QoL scores over time. Body image acceptance was positively correlated with religious practice and specifically praying activity. This preliminary study suggests the importance of religion in coping with cancer chemotherapy. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Lack of reliability of nanotechnology in the of free plasma DNA in samples of patients with prostate cancer

Background: Several studies seek biological markers that give diagnostic and degree of tumor development. The aim of this study was to validate the determination of plasma DNA using nanotechnology (Nanovue™-NV) in samples of 80 patients with prostate cancer. Methods. Blood samples of 80 patients of the Urology Ambulatory of Faculdade de Medicina do ABC with prostate cancer confirmed by anatomical-pathology criteria were analyzed. DNA extraction was performed using a GFX TM kit (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Inc, USA) following the adapted protocol. Plasma was subjected to centrifugation. Results: There was a big difference between the first and the second value obtained by NanoVue Only two samples had no differences between duplicates. Maximum difference between duplicates was 38 μg/mL. Average variation between 51 samples was 10.29 μg/mL, although 21 samples had differences above this average. No correlation was observed between pDNA obtained by traditional spectrophotometry and by nanotechnology. Conclusion: Determination of plasma DNA by nanotechnology was not reproducible. © 2013 Moreno et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Structural and Phylogenetic Studies with MjTX-I Reveal a Multi-Oligomeric Toxin - a Novel Feature in Lys49-PLA2s Protein Class

The mortality caused by snakebites is more damaging than many tropical diseases, such as dengue haemorrhagic fever, cholera, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis and Chagas disease. For this reason, snakebite envenoming adversely affects health services of tropical and subtropical countries and is recognized as a neglected disease by the World Health Organization. One of the main components of snake venoms is the Lys49-phospholipases A2, which is catalytically inactive but possesses other toxic and pharmacological activities. Preliminary studies with MjTX-I from Bothrops moojeni snake venom revealed intriguing new structural and functional characteristics compared to other bothropic Lys49-PLA2s. We present in this article a comprehensive study with MjTX-I using several techniques, including crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering, analytical size-exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, myographic studies, bioinformatics and molecular phylogenetic analyses.Based in all these experiments we demonstrated that MjTX-I is probably a unique Lys49-PLA2, which may adopt different oligomeric forms depending on the physical-chemical environment. Furthermore, we showed that its myotoxic activity is dramatically low compared to other Lys49-PLA2s, probably due to the novel oligomeric conformations and important mutations in the C-terminal region of the protein. The phylogenetic analysis also showed that this toxin is clearly distinct from other bothropic Lys49-PLA2s, in conformity with the peculiar oligomeric characteristics of MjTX-I and possible emergence of new functionalities inresponse to environmental changes and adaptation to new preys. © 2013 Salvador et al.

Incomplete mandibular fracture after lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve for implant placement

PURPOSE: The present case describes an inferior alveolar nerve lateralization for implant placement that caused mandible fracture a few days after surgery. CLINICAL REPORT: In this case, a 56-year-old female patient who had a severely atrophied jaw and showing bone height less than 7 mm from the bone crest and the mandibular canal was submitted to surgery lateralization of the inferior alveolar conducted with piezzo. Even with all postoperative care, the patient suffered an incomplete fracture of the mandible a few days after lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve for implant placement. The patient was treated with soft diet and medications for pain and antibiotics, besides removing the implant associated with the fracture. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that this procedure may be conducted in 2 operative periods: firstly, the lateralization of the inferior alveolar; and secondly, after a period of 3 months, the implant placement in a situation of more bone stability. Copyright © 2013 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Anatomia radicial de Mormodes sinuata Rchb. f. & Warm.; (Catasetinae, Cymbidieae: Orchidaceae)

Since there is a lack of information on the root organization of the sub-tribe Catasetinae, current research describes the anatomy of Mormodes sinuata roots and indicate adaptations related to water provision and other taxonomical traits. Five roots of three plants, cut at the median region with a blade, were fixed and preserved in alcohol 5%. Cuts were stained by saffron blue 0.05% and mounted in glycerin. Although the roots have structural characteristics adapted to epiphytism, some anatomic characteristics demonstrate that the species requires more watering or wetter environments when compared with other types of Catasetinae. Root anatomic characteristics foreground results by authors who include the sub-tribe Catasetinae within the tribe Cymbidieae. Further, anatomic characteristics have a generic uniformity and are a tool for the genus's systematics.

Evolução de pacientes com AIDS pós cART: Evolução clínica e laboratorial de pacientes com AIDS após 48 semanas de tratamento antirretroviral

Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) aims to inhibit viral replication, delay immunodeficiency progression and improve survival in AIDS patients. The objective of this study was to compare two different schemes of cART, based on plasma viral load (VL) and CD4+ T lymphocyte count, during 48 weeks of treatment. For this purpose, 472 medical charts of a Specialized Outpatient Service were reviewed from 1998 to 2005. Out of these, 58 AIDS patients who had received a triple drug scheme as the initial treatment were included in the study and two groups were formed: Group 1 (G1): 47 individuals treated with two nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and one non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor; Group 2 (G2): 11 patients treated with two NRTI and one protease inhibitor. In G1 and G2, 53.2% and 81.8% respectively were patients with an AIDS-defining disease. The T CD4+ lymphocyte count increased progressively up until the 24th week of treatment in all patients, while VL became undetectable in 68.1% of G1 and in 63.6% of G2. The study concluded that the evolutions of laboratory tests were similar in the two treatment groups and that both presented a favorable clinical evolution.

Teores de iodo em dietas secas e úmidas para gatos adultos comercializadas na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Were analyzed 29 samples, 16 wet and 13 dry cat food of different flavors. The iodine levels ranged from 2.7 to 3.4 (average 2.95 mg/kg/MS) in dry food and 2.9 to 4.0 (average 3.4 mg/kg/MS) in the wet food. Eight samples (27.6%) specified on the package the assurance level (maximum) of iodine, with a dry (2.0 mg/kg/diet) and seven wet (0.04 mg/kg/diet). All non-compliant, because the values were higher than declared. Cats fed commercial diets consume proportionally more iodine in wet food than cats fed dry diets, but both with high levels of iodine. All samples analyzed were above the amounts stated on the labels. Accordingly, the wet and dry commercial food for cats show no reliable values with those reported, resulting in a possible excessive intake of this trace element for animals in question.